An official source in the Lebanese government told Al-Jazeera that, despite UNIFIL`s shortcomings, the force was tasked with regularly starting negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli forces and acting as a mediator to ease tensions. [109] The source also stated that southern Lebanon was much more chaotic and unstable before the mission was deployed in 1978 and that the departure of UNIFIL would trigger further conflicts. [109] On 17 April 2000, the Government of Israel formally informed the Secretary-General that it would withdraw its troops from Lebanon by July 2000, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978).” He was also informed that the Israeli government intended to “cooperate fully with the United Nations.” The Secretary-General informed the Security Council of this notification on the same day and stated that he had begun preparations to enable the Organization to fulfil its responsibilities under these resolutions. On 20 April, the Council approved the Secretary-General`s decision to undertake these preparations. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused the finul of bias. Israel asserts that the force has authorized, or even supported, the re-establishment of military power by Hezbollah. Hezbollah, on the other hand, claims that “some contingents” of UNIFIL are spying, or even supporting, Israel. [89] Journalist Alain Pellegrini claimed that UN reports on Lebanon were talking to Israeli intelligence. [90] During a deadly skirmish between Lebanese and Israeli forces in 2010, UNIFIL was severely criticized for its lack of intervention, and two Indonesian soldiers were filmed fleeing the battlefield in a taxi. [91] In general, relations between UNIFIL and residents were good.
UNIFIL forces provided a variety of services to Aboriginal people, and introduced elements of their own culture. The UNIFIL contingent of India has carried out small development projects, runs medical and dental clinics, veterinary care for local animals, and also runs children`s entertainment camps and yoga classes. [102] [103] The Indonesian UNIFIL contingent (INDOBATT) has also gained a good reputation among the people of southern Lebanon, which is achieved through the contingent`s Civilian Military Coordination Programme (CIMIC). This program includes many social activities, such as the organization of computer courses for residents, medical assistance and technical assistance in the reconstruction of social institutions. [104] [105] [106] The French contingent taught local French-speaking residents French-speaking poetry classes as well as French-language vocabulary and grammar for primary school students in 15 schools, the Italian contingent taught cooking classes, the South Korean contingent taught taekwondo, and the Chinese contingent taught Tai Chi. [107] [108] The Blue Line is the 120-kilometre withdrawal line identified by the United Nations in 2000. , in cooperation with Lebanese and Israeli officials, to confirm the withdrawal of the Israeli armed forces from Lebanese territory, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 425 (1978). The Blue Line does not constitute a border between Lebanon and Israel and does not affect future border agreements between the two states.
Any unauthorized crossing of the Blue Line by land or air on any side is a violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.